Manufacturing Buyer

Summary (Position Description): The Manufacturing Buyer is responsible for BITZER US sourcing activities across all product segments. Using a systematic approach the incumbent will identify sourcing opportunities leading to strong supplier relationships, cost reduction, and risk reduction and avoidance in the Supply Chain. This role will work closely with the Engineering and Purchasing teams to effectively manage components through all stages of the product life cycle.

Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Status: Full time, Salary Exempt

Duties & Tasks.

Sourcing: Source components for new and current products (BOM, Non BOM).

Sourcing: Conduct evaluations of potential suppliers on national and global basis, always considering company standards, confidentiality agreements and compliance.

Sourcing: Request quotes, and lead negotiations. Formalize agreements with key suppliers in the best interest of BITZER US.

Supplier Management: Continuously develop and monitor suppliers by working with the purchasing team to review performance and risk.

Supplier Management: Perform regular follow-ups to review and update supplier agreements including commercial terms such as payment conditions, and delivery terms.

Supplier Management: Create and maintain supplier information packages and work with the purchasing team to provide information to key suppliers such as demand shifts by consulting with sales and operations.

Supplier Management: Act as lead for onboarding new suppliers in start-up phase and coordinate internal support.

Supplier Management: Escalate and expedite parts needed in support of customer demand.

Data Management: Set up suppliers and purchasing master data in ERP system as needed.

Data Management: Drive supplier technology integration to optimize ERP processes.

Collaboration & Coordination: Working with the respective buyer, coordinate sourcing actions resulting from Engineering Change

Notifications that will minimize obsolete materials and maintain uninterrupted production schedules.

Collaboration & Coordination: Support the Quality team with supplier audits.

Cost optimization: Lead and track cost reduction projects.

Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Who We Are:

Bitzer Us Inc. is a leading manufacturer of key components used in commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. These key components include compressors, pressure vessels such as condensers and evaporators, compressor packages, and condensing units. Other products include waste heat-to-power equipment that converts excess heat to low-cost electricity.

You partner with others to get work done while gaining insight into customers' needs and deliver solutions that exceed customer expectations. You create Raving Fans. You set objectives aligning with organization and prioritize accordingly.

Conveniently located in Flowery Branch, Georgia 5 minutes off I-985 The Company is wholly owned by Bitzer SE (located in Germany), the Company is a private company and serves as Bitzer SE’s flagship North American subsidiary. On a global basis, Bitzer SE has employees 4,300 in 75 locations with global sales approaching 700M €.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

Advanced cost-benefit analysis skills.

Advanced negotiation skills with a solid understanding of commercial contract terms.

Advanced project coordination and presentation skills.

Advanced knowledge of manufacturing techniques.

Strong ability to work in a team environment, across departments in a global business setting.

Intermediate knowledge of ERP system functionality.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience.

2-5 years’ experience in a similar role in manufacturing or industrial environments.

Ability to work and travel domestically as well as internationally (15% of time).

Ability to read, interpret and fully understand engineering drawings and BOMs

Ability to effectively meet and communicate with engineers, customers, and suppliers.

Solid PC skills using the Microsoft suite of products, as well as a working knowledge of general office equipment.

Effective written communication skills and effective organizational skills.

Ability to work collectively with others within the organization.

Experience participating in a Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) program preferred.

Work Environment:

This job is performed in a professional office environment. It also requires time on the shop floor with machining, assembly, and material technicians. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk on the shop floor, travel to and from supplier locations, and physically tour supplier production environments

Employee Benefits:

Medical Insurance (heavily subsidized by the Company)

Dental Insurance

Company paid Vision Insurance, $50,000 life insurance and Short and Long-Term Disability

2 Weeks Paid Vacation and 5 Paid Personal Days

Education Reimbursement (must be approved by manager)

401(k) Plan where it matches dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of compensation; 100% vested immediately.

Company Discretionary Profit-Sharing Contribution (has averaged 15% of compensation per year for the past 6 years; based on the profitability of the Company; 100% vested after 6 years on a graded scale)

Other Information

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employees are required to follow any job-related instructions and to perform job-related duties requested by management. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This Job Description does not imply an employment contract. BITZER US is an at-will employer.

BITZER US is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.